Mapping Tool Helps Electric Vehicle Drivers Find Charging Stations

2011 Nissan Leaf and 2011 Chevy Volt, with charging station visible; photo by George Parrott

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – One factor that may slow would-be electric car buyers is anxiety over finding a charging station, but a local website can help green vehicle owners map out the closest place to plug-in.

PlugShare, a mapping tool created by Xatori Inc., gives drivers a roadmap to the roughly 500 charging stations in the Bay Area, as well as 11,000 locations across the United States and Canada.

The crowd sourced information lists public, private and restricted charging locations. The information can also be sorted by fee, and vehicle compatibility.